You’ll find some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Africa, so it’s no surprise that many are keen on embarking on a holiday here! But what really draws thousands of visitors to the vast continent is the opportunity to encounter some of the planet’s most fascinating wildlife. And if you prefer to travel with a sense of adventure, Africa can cater to your preference. Many places offer visitors a chance to experience an exhilarating escape, from staying in rustic lodges in the middle of the wilderness to enjoying stargazing under the open sky after a thrilling game drive.
Here are the most adventurous getaways in Africa.
Botswana
Botswana’s dramatic landscapes offer incredible trekking opportunities for adventure seekers. The sacred Tsodilo Hills present challenging trails winding past ancient rock art dating back thousands of years. These UNESCO-listed hills provide panoramic views and a spiritual connection to the land that transcends the typical African experience.
For water-based adventures, the Okavango Delta is a lush oasis in the middle of the desert. It’s the perfect place for an adrenaline-pumping ride on a traditional “mokoro” boat, navigating between islands and channels teeming with wildlife.
The safari experiences here complement your hiking adventures. Many lodges are in remote areas, meaning you’ll enjoy authentic animal encounters with fewer crowds around. Unique camps immerse you in the wilderness while providing the necessary comforts.
Botswana’s landscapes offer non-stop excitement. One such place is the Okavango Delta, a lush oasis in the middle of the desert and a habitat for various wildlife species. It’s a fun place to explore on a traditional boat called a “mokoro”. The lodges at the Okavango Delta are only accessible by air, which adds to the adventure.
Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro dominates Tanzania’s adventure landscape as Africa’s highest peak. This iconic mountain offers multiple challenging routes to the summit, with breath-taking ecosystems that change as you ascend through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and finally, the glaciated summit. Many trekkers claim this multi-day challenge is life-changing.
Beyond Kilimanjaro, the Usambara Mountains provide excellent day hikes and multi-day treks through cool highland forests and traditional villages. The Udzungwa Mountains National Park offers trails to spectacular waterfalls and chances to spot endemic primates.
Tanzania is also renowned for its wildlife experiences, with legendary places like the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. Adventure lodges here will take your breath away, with stunning views of the savannah and guided walking safaris to complement your hiking adventures.
The wildlife here will leave you speechless. Spot the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo – in their natural habitat. Witness the thundering Great Migration, with millions of wildebeests crossing towards the Serengeti, a true spectacle that will make your heart race!
Kenya
Kenya’s mountainous terrain provides some of Africa’s most spectacular hiking opportunities. The majestic Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, offers adventurous travellers several routes of varying difficulty. Serious climbers can go on a Mount Kenya climb for breath-taking views from the summit, while less experienced hikers can explore the lower slopes and surrounding forests teeming with unique flora and fauna.
Beyond Mount Kenya, the Great Rift Valley offers spectacular trekking through dramatic landscapes. Hike through Hell’s Gate National Park, where sheer cliffs and geothermal features create an otherworldly hiking environment. The Matthews Range provides remote wilderness trails for the truly adventurous.
Kenya also tops the list of safari destinations. Its beautiful landscapes host an incredible variety of wildlife. The Big Five roam freely, while the Maasai Mara teems with massive herds of wildebeest, zebras, and lightning-fast cheetahs. For true adventure lovers, remote lodges put you right in the heart of the wild.
Rwanda
Rwanda’s nickname as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ perfectly captures its incredible trekking terrain. The Congo Nile Trail stretches 227 km along Lake Kivu, offering multi-day hiking adventures through rural villages, coffee plantations, and scenic viewpoints. Day hikes to the summit of Mount Bisoke reward trekkers with views of its crater lake, while the challenging Mount Karisimbi climb takes you to Rwanda’s highest point.
The country’s most famous adventure is mountain gorilla trekking. Venture through the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park to come face-to-face with gorillas in their natural habitat, a rare, heart-stopping experience. The steep, muddy trails and high altitude make this a challenging trek even before the emotional impact of encountering these magnificent creatures.
The adventure lodges here are spectacular. Perched in stunning natural settings with views of volcanoes and emerald forests, they’re perfect base camps for your daily expeditions. For those seeking more varied wildlife, Akagera National Park offers safari experiences with the Big Five in a landscape of lakes and savannah.
Not into gorilla trekking? Try an action-packed safari in Akagera National Park. Encounter the Big Five on exhilarating game drives with hardly any other vehicles in sight. The wilderness is all yours to explore.
Seychelles
Hiking enthusiasts will find the Seychelles surprisingly rewarding beyond its famed beaches. Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé Island offers challenging trails through dense forests to the archipelago’s highest peak, with stunning coastal views throughout the journey. The unique Coco de Mer palms in Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island create an otherworldly hiking environment through what many call the original Garden of Eden.
Rock climbing and bouldering have emerged as exciting activities on the granite islands, with La Digue and Mahé offering impressive routes up dramatic rock formations. The reward is unparalleled views of the azure waters below.
For water adventures, the archipelago offers world-class snorkelling and diving spots with vibrant coral reefs teeming with exotic marine life. With over a hundred islands to discover, kayaking adventures never end. Paddle between islands, discover hidden coves, and plunge into secluded swimming spots that few travellers ever see.